ES2972628T3 - Substrate, absorbent article and moisture monitoring method - Google Patents

Abstract

A substrate (10) suitable for incorporation into an absorbent article (100) is provided to control and detect the presence of moisture therein and/or the risk of leakage of exudate therefrom. Said substrate (10) comprises a conductive pattern (101) arranged on a first surface (20) capable of being arranged proximal to a side facing the body of the absorbent article (100), in which said conductive pattern (101) can be carried on electrical form. communication with a clip data processing module (103). Said conductive pattern (101) comprises: a plurality of connection tracks (1',2',3',4',5'); and a plurality of detection tracks (9) connected to said connection tracks (1',2',3',4',5'), wherein the conductive pattern (101) is configured in a manner that addresses multiple combinations of said plurality of connection tracks (1',2',3',4',5') with the corresponding terminals (1,2,3,4,5) of the clip data processing module (103) give as a result multiple electrical circuit configurations to measure resistance, impedance and/or capacitance through it. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Substrate, absorbent article and moisture monitoring method

Technical field

The invention belongs to the technical field of absorbent hygiene products. Specifically, the present invention relates to an absorbent article intended to absorb body fluids and exudates, such as urine and fecal matter. More specifically, the present invention relates to absorbent garments, such as disposable diapers or panties, for example, for infants or adults, which are configured to collect and contain fecal matter and prevent it from leaking.

Very especially, the invention relates to diapers or panty diapers, to their components and to the manufacturing process, which comprise an exudate detection system capable of automatically monitoring the distribution of exudates within the diaper or panty diaper used by a subject. , and automatically provide a warning to a caregiver when the risk of leakage is high and said diaper or panty needs to be replaced.

Background of the invention

Disposable diapers conventionally include a frame having a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable bottomsheet, and an absorbent structure sandwiched between the topsheet and the bottomsheet. The frame has a front body panel that, during use, extends over the stomach and front hip area of the user, and a rear body panel that, during use, extends over the back and rear area of the user's hip. Each of the body panels has a waist portion so that, when the diaper is secured around the waist of the user, the waist portions continuously surround the user. In order to secure the diaper around a user's waist, a fastening system comprising fastening tabs is commonly employed. Fastening tabs may be provided on the side panels extending from the side edges of the diaper frame.

Disposable diapers are of similar construction, but typically comprise front and back elastics at each end of the absorbent structure and are sealed together at the side seams to form an underwear-like product that can be put on by a subject by inserting them through the legs and which can be removed by lowering it in the opposite direction or tearing the side seams.

Inherent in the use of such absorbent articles is that over time one or more wetness and/or exudation events will occur and therefore the need to change the absorbent article will arise. Especially in home care and/or other institutions, when dealing with elderly people with incontinence problems, knowing when to change a patient's diaper/panties is of utmost importance. Indeed, changing diapers too early causes unnecessary costs and waste, and changing diapers too late generates additional cleaning costs and time, and inconvenience or inconvenience for the patient. This problem is aggravated by movement, in fact, taking into account that a subject wearing the article can move and adopt different positions, its impregnation and/or risk of leakage can vary considerably depending on the position and the time the subject remains in that position during and/or after one or more wetness/exudate events.

Absorbent articles are known that have different types of sensing means and help alert a user or caregiver to a change within the article (for example, a defecation event). Detection means of this type allow the user or caregiver to easily determine whether or not an absorbent article needs to be changed, without the need for close inspection or removal of the article.

Commonly known detection media that can be incorporated into absorbent articles are chemicals that alter their shape or nature upon contact with a liquid. For example, an indication that an absorbent article is dirty may be due to changes in color or by the appearance or disappearance of an element on the absorbent article. Such detection means are useful in certain situations, but not so much in institutions such as daycare centers, senior centers or hospitals where often a limited staff must monitor the condition of a large number of users. To determine whether the absorbent article is dirty or not, it is still necessary to disturb the user, since the caregiver must be able to see the colored element. This often requires the user to move and remove or adjust clothing.

EP 3415 130 A1 relates to an absorbent article, components and method therein using detection means that provide the advantages of electrical detection, but which is cost effective, simple to manufacture and easily disposable. However, the solution implemented in document EP 3 415 130 A1 does not allow identifying the exact areas or locations in which the absorbent article is wet.

Document WO2018/229017 A1 refers to a substrate suitable for incorporation into an absorbent article intended for automatic detection of moisture events therein, the substrate comprising a first surface that may be arranged proximally to one side of the article. body-facing absorbent article and a second surface opposite said first surface and which may be disposed proximally to one side of said garment-facing absorbent article, said substrate comprising a plurality of detection tracks disposed on said first surface wherein said sensing tracks are in electrical communication with an engageable data processing module when connected in a proximal position to a first end of the substrate to form a closed electrical circuit, typically for measuring resistance, impedance and/or capacitance at through them.

Therefore, there is a desire for absorbent articles comprising detection means that provide accurate and reliable detection of the different wet areas of the article, allowing monitoring of the impregnation (expression of the degree of impregnation of the absorbent core of the absorbent article) in the entire length and width of the absorbent article, and that can be standardized in a range of products and sizes in order to limit production costs and, therefore, the final cost for users and institutions.

There is also a desire for detection means that, alternatively or in combination, provide timely alerts based on the risk of exudate leaking from the absorbent article, without the need to simultaneously monitor the position of the subject. during and/or after one or more repeated wetness/wetting events, resulting in reduced development costs as interpretation of the received signal in the current state of the diaper only requires limited intelligence.

Accordingly, the object of this invention is to create a substrate, an absorbent article and a method of manufacturing said absorbent article.

Summary of the invention

In view of the aforementioned problems and disadvantages, the object of the present invention is achieved by the solution provided in the attached independent claims. Advantageous implementations of the present invention are defined in more detail in the dependent claims.

The present invention is according to claim 1 and the claims dependent thereon.

According to a first preferred implementation, a substrate suitable for incorporation into an absorbent article is provided to monitor and detect the presence of moisture therein and/or the risk of leakage of exudates therefrom. Said substrate comprises a conductive pattern disposed on a first surface that may be disposed proximally to a body-facing side of the absorbent article, wherein said conductive pattern may be placed in electrical communication with an attachable data processing module, said substrate comprising conductive pattern: a plurality of connecting tracks; and a plurality of detection tracks connected to said connection tracks, and wherein the conductive pattern is configured in a manner that an addressing of multiple combinations of said plurality of connection tracks with corresponding terminals of the attachable data processing module results in multiple electrical circuit configurations to measure resistance, impedance and/or capacitance across them. Advantageously, accurate and automatic detection and monitoring of liquids and/or exudates is enabled in an efficient manner. In addition, said substrate is particularly suitable for being adjustable for in-line mass production at high speeds.

According to a first preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the substrate comprises a second surface opposite said first surface and which may be arranged proximally to a side of said absorbent article facing the garment. In addition to this or alternatively, said engageable data processing module is in electrical communication with the conductive pattern when connected in a proximal position to a first end of the substrate so as to form at least one closed electrical circuit. This is beneficial, since the implementation of the inventive substrate in the final product is compatible with current production lines, which reduces operating costs compared to other solutions that require additional more complicated process steps and, on the other hand, allows the use of the final product in a way that is harmless to the user.

According to a second preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the conductive pattern 101 comprises an electrically conductive material, and is preferably a printed conductive pattern, the printed conductive pattern comprising, preferably consisting of, a carbon-based ink and/or a conductive polymer-based ink, the carbon-based ink preferably comprising a conductive compound selected from the group consisting of graphene, graphite, nanocarbon tubes and mixtures thereof, the carbon-based ink preferably comprising conductive polymer a conductive compound selected from the group consisting of polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline and copolymers thereof, more preferably selected from the group consisting of poly(pyrroles) (PPY), polyanilines (PANI), poly(thiophenes) ( PT), poly(p-phenylene sulfide) (PPS), poly(p-phenylene) (P<p>P), poly(acetylenes) (PAC), poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (P<p>V) , poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and mixtures thereof, the most preferred conductive polymer-based ink comprising poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS).

Advantageously, rapid production is achieved while ensuring good compatibility with the final product.

According to another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, said connection tracks are configured to allow an electrical current to flow from the corresponding terminals of the attachable data processing module when connected thereto. Additionally or alternatively, said connecting tracks extend substantially parallel to a length L of the substrate and substantially parallel to a longitudinal (y-y) axis that intersects a first end and a second end of the substrate. On the other hand, said detection tracks are configured to undergo changes in the presence of certain substances. Advantageously, reliable moisture detection is ensured throughout the final product while at the same time providing continuous and reliable moisture detection and monitoring.

According to another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the substrate further comprises at least one insulating layer that is preferably impermeable to liquids, adhered thereto and sized to cover at least a part of the conductive pattern, said at least one insulating layer adapted to provide a seal and/or barrier to prevent liquid and/or exudates from coming into contact with said part of the conductive pattern, preferably wherein the detection tracks remain exposed to the liquids and/or exudates and are not covered for said at least one insulating layer. This is beneficial as an insulating layer, which is an inherent component of the final product, helps define specific areas where moisture can be selectively detected, improving efficiency.

According to another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, said substrate comprises one or more grooves, and a pocket is formed between the first surface and the at least one insulating layer proximal to the first end, said pocket being in fluid communication only with said slot(s) and arranged to retain at least a portion of the data processing module engageable therein. Advantageously, this arrangement allows a secure electrical connection between the clip-on module and the connection tracks while also guaranteeing its protection against dirt caused by internal and/or external elements. On the other hand, comfort for the user is also improved.

According to another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the conductive pattern extends symmetrically in a direction substantially parallel to the length L of the substrate and in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, defining a plurality of independent electrical circuits, and wherein The combinations of said electrical circuits are in electrical communication by selective addressing of at least two of the connection tracks with at least two corresponding terminals of the attachable data processing module. Advantageously, this ensures that reliable detection will be monitored in multiple zones throughout the end product, improving efficiency and accuracy. More advantageously, a direct relationship of the monitored zones can be related to the body position of the subject wearing the product without the need to use additional motion sensors and/or gyroscopes, which increases efficiency and saves time.

According to another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the plurality of circuits defined by the conductive pattern are circuits with a closed configuration and or alternatively with an open configuration. In addition to this or alternatively, at least one of the plurality of circuits defined by the conductive pattern is a circuit with a closed configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of circuits defined by the conductive pattern have a configuration that allows a space for applying glue lines when incorporated into an absorbent article. This is beneficial as the electrical properties of different circuits are used to improve sensitivity in humidity detection and monitoring. More advantageously, a proper electrical connection is guaranteed.

According to another preferred embodiment of the first aspect, a thickness and/or a length and/or a width and/or a specific conductivity of at least a part of at least one of the plurality of circuits defined by the conductive pattern comprises identifiers of the absorbent article that are detected when connected to the attachable data processing module. Advantageously, this increases efficiency and reduces manufacturing costs.

The conductive pattern comprises at least four, more preferably at least 5, most preferably between 7 and 15 connection tracks and/or detection tracks. This allows particularly precise detection of exudate levels.

According to a second aspect of the invention, an absorbent article is provided, preferably a disposable diaper, pad or panty diaper, suitable for monitoring and detecting the presence of moisture therein and/or the risk of leakage of exudates from the same. Said absorbent article comprising: a liquid impermeable bottom sheet; a liquid-permeable top sheet; an absorbent core interposed between said bottom sheet and top sheet, wherein said bottom sheet comprises a substrate, the substrate comprising a conductive pattern arranged on a first surface and can be placed in electrical communication with an attachable data processing module, said pattern comprising conductor: a plurality of connecting tracks; and a plurality of detection tracks connected to said connection tracks, and wherein the conductive pattern is configured in a manner that an addressing of multiple combinations of said plurality of connection tracks with corresponding terminals of the attachable data processing module results in multiple electrical circuit configurations to measure resistance, impedance and/or capacitance across them. Advantageously, accurate and automatic detection and monitoring of liquids and/or exudates is enabled in an efficient manner, ensuring scalability in in-line mass production at high speeds.

According to a first preferred embodiment of the second aspect, said absorbent article further comprises a removable attachable data processing module having a plurality of exposed electrically conductive terminals that can selectively address a plurality of connection tracks of a pattern. conductor, preferably where the number of said terminals is at least identical to the number of said connection tracks. This is beneficial as a proper electrical connection of said clip-on module with the connecting tracks is ensured, as the clip-on module remains attached to the absorbent article while being protected from accidental disengagement during movements of the subject/user.

According to a second preferred embodiment of the second aspect, selectively addressing multiple combinations of the plurality of said connection tracks with the corresponding terminals of the attachable data processing module results in multiple electrical circuit configurations for measuring resistance, the impedance and/or capacitance across them. In addition to this or alternatively, at least a portion of the attachable data processing module is retained within a pocket, said pocket positioned on at least a portion of the absorbent core with the core being interposed between said pocket and the skin of a subject. when wearing the absorbent article such that when the clip-on data processing module is inserted into the pocket, the absorbent core provides a cushioning layer between said clip-on data processing module and said skin of the subject. Advantageously, this arrangement makes it possible to selectively define several areas of the final product where it is desired to detect whether humidity is produced due to liquids and/or exudates.

According to another preferred embodiment of the second aspect, measuring the resistance, impedance and/or capacitance of multiple circuit configurations defined by the conductive pattern in selective contact with the corresponding terminals of the attachable data processing module allows monitor moisture in different areas of the core of the absorbent article and/or monitor a moisture distribution as a result of the current and/or previous body position of a user of said absorbent article. Advantageously, this makes it possible to effectively detect humidity and generate a humidity mapping with high precision, from which the body position of the user is also indirectly deduced.

Advantageously, the detection tracks are arranged so that distinct monitoring of at least three, preferably at least four, most preferably at least five different zones along a longitudinal direction of the core of the absorbent article is possible. This allows for particularly fine monitoring precision.

Preferably, the detection tracks are arranged so that distinct monitoring of at least two, preferably at least three, most preferably at least four different zones along a transverse direction of the core of the absorbent article is possible. This further increases the accuracy of monitoring.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing an absorbent article comprising the steps of: providing a liquid impermeable bottom sheet and applying a conductive pattern to a first surface thereof, the conductive pattern comprising a plurality of connection tracks and a plurality of detection tracks connected to said connection tracks, wherein the conductive pattern is configured in a manner that addresses multiple combinations of said plurality of connection tracks with corresponding terminals of the processing module hookable data controller results in multiple electrical circuit configurations to measure resistance, impedance and/or capacitance across them; providing and adhering at least one insulating layer to said bottom sheet, said insulating layer being sized and positioned to cover at least a portion of the connecting tracks of the conductive pattern to provide a laminated substrate; providing an absorbent core comprising absorbent material; providing a liquid permeable topsheet; and sandwiching the absorbent core between said laminated substrate and said top sheet. Advantageously, accurate and automatic detection and monitoring of liquids and/or exudates is enabled in an efficient manner, ensuring scalability in in-line mass production at high speeds.

According to a first preferred embodiment of the third aspect, the method further comprises the step of providing a slot and/or pocket in the bottom sheet that allows an electrically conductive part of an attachable data processing module to selectively enter in electrical communication with the connection tracks of the conductive pattern. This is beneficial since a proper electrical connection is achieved, increasing efficiency and accuracy in humidity detection.

According to another preferred form of implementation of the third aspect, the conductive pattern is in the form of an electrically conductive ink and the application step comprises printing it on the bottom sheet. Additionally or alternatively, at least one insulating layer is formed to have a width w, taken along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal (y-y) axis, being less than a width W of the bottom sheet. In addition to this or alternatively, monitoring and detecting the presence of moisture in different areas of the core of the absorbent article is performed by measuring the resistance, impedance and/or capacitance of multiple circuit configurations defined by the standard. conductor and selectively addressed by the corresponding terminals of the clip-on data processing module. This is beneficial as a safe and secure connection is achieved in a simple and cost-effective manner, resulting in an optimal design that can be easily implemented into rapid in-line manufacturing procedures.

Brief description of the drawings

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail by way of example only, and not by way of limitation, with respect to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements. It is mentioned that the various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings: Fig. 1A shows a schematic top view of a substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 1B shows a schematic top view of a substrate including the insulating layer, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 1C shows a schematic top view of a substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2A-C show parts of the connection tracks according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3A-F illustrate the operating principle of multiple use of terminals, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig.4A-B show two exemplary electrical circuits for selectively connecting multiple terminals to multiple connection tracks, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5A-C show exemplary detection zones defined by selectively connecting multiple terminals to corresponding connection tracks, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6A-F illustrate possible circuits resulting from connecting the same pair of available terminals;

Fig. 7A shows examples of closed loop configurations defined by the conductive pattern, according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7B illustrates an exemplary closed-loop configuration connected to corresponding terminals and a voltage source;

Fig. 7C shows examples of open circuit configurations defined by the conductive pattern, according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7D illustrates an exemplary open circuit configuration connected to corresponding terminals and a voltage source;

Fig. 8A-B illustrate the electrical characteristics of exemplary open and closed circuit configurations, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9A illustrates an exemplary conductive pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9B shows exemplary ends of detection tracks according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 10 illustrates additional exemplary conductive patterns in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 11 illustrates the electrical principle that allows product identification, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs 12A-E illustrate open circuit configurations and their specific response to the presence of moisture, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

Figs 13A-D illustrate open circuit configurations and their specific response to the presence of moisture with and without the insulating layer, according to embodiments of the present invention;

Figs. 14A-C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an attachable data processing module as described in embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 15 illustrates a schematic top view and a schematic side view of an absorbent article, according to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention;

Figs. 16A-D illustrate sensing circuits and zones within an absorbent article selectively activated by combinations of multiple terminals and multiple corresponding connection tracks in an exemplary embodiment, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention;

Figs. 17A-D illustrate additional sensing circuits and zones within an absorbent article selectively activated by combinations of multiple terminals and multiple corresponding connection tracks in an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the second aspect of the invention;

Fig. 18 shows an exemplary mapping of moisture along an absorbent article, as described in embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 19 illustrates a schematic top view and a schematic side view of an absorbent article, according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention;

Fig. 20 shows a schematic top view of a substrate according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 21 shows a schematic top view of a substrate according to another embodiment of the present invention, with a plurality of urination events indicated;

Fig. 22 shows a schematic top view of a substrate according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 23 illustrates the electrical characteristics of an embodiment of the present invention, with different degrees of impregnation, and

Fig. 24 illustrates the electrical characteristics of an embodiment of the present invention, with different degrees of impregnation.

Detailed description of the invention

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used to disclose the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning commonly understood by one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. By means of an additional guide, definitions of terms are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

"A", "an" and "the", as used herein, refer to both singular and plural referents, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment. "Approximately", as used herein, when referring to a measurable value, such as a parameter, quantity, time duration, and the like, is intended to encompass variations of /-20% or less, preferably / -10% or less, more preferably /-50 or less, even more preferably or less, and even more preferably /-0.1% or less of and from the specified value, to the extent such variations are appropriate to carry out the disclosed invention. However, it should be understood that the value referred to by the modifier "approximately" is itself also specifically disclosed. "Comprises", "comprising", and "comprises" and "composed of" as used herein are synonyms of "include", "which includes", "includes" or "contains", "containing" , "contains" and are inclusive or open terms that specify the presence of what comes next, for example, a component and do not exclude or prevent the presence of additional elements, unnamed components, characteristics, element, members, stages, known in the art or disclosed therein. The expression "% by weight" (weight percentage), in this case and throughout the description unless otherwise defined, refers to the relative weight of the corresponding component based on the total weight of the formulation or element to which it makes reference.

Listing of numerical ranges by extreme values includes all numbers and fractions within that range, as well as the extreme values listed, except where explicitly stated otherwise by disclaimers and the like.

"Absorbent article" refers to devices that absorb and contain liquid, and more specifically, refers to devices that are placed against or near the user's body to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Absorbent articles include, but are not limited to, diapers, adult incontinence briefs/panties, training underwear, diaper tights and liners, sanitary napkins and the like, as well as surgical bandages and sponges. The absorbent articles preferably comprise a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to said longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis is conventionally chosen in the front-to-back direction of the article when referring to the article being used, and the transverse axis is conventionally chosen in the left-to-right direction of the article when referring to the article being used. is using. Disposable absorbent articles may include a liquid-permeable topsheet, a bottomsheet attached to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned and retained between the topsheet and the bottomsheet. The top sheet is operatively permeable to the liquids that the absorbent article is intended to retain or store, and the bottom sheet may or may not be substantially impermeable or otherwise operatively impermeable to the intended liquids.

The absorbent article may also include other components, such as liquid absorbent layers, liquid entry layers, liquid distribution layers, transfer layers, barrier layers, wrap layers and the like, as well as combinations thereof. Disposable absorbent articles and components thereof may operate to provide a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface. Preferably, a diaper comprises a liquid-permeable "topsheet", a liquid-impermeable "bottomsheet" and an "absorbent middle or core" disposed between the topsheet and the bottomsheet. The top sheet, the bottom sheet and the absorbent medium could be manufactured from any suitable material known to one skilled in the art. The top sheet is generally located at or near the body side surface of the article, while the bottom sheet is generally located at or near the garment side surface of the article. Optionally, the article may comprise one or more separate layers that are added to the bottom sheet and interposed between the bottom sheet and the absorbent medium. The top sheet and the bottom sheet are operatively connected or otherwise associated with each other.

The "absorbent medium" or "absorbent core" or "absorbent body" is the absorbent structure disposed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet of the absorbent article in at least the crotch region of the absorbent article and is capable of absorbing and retaining body exudates. liquids. The size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent medium must be compatible with the size of the intended user and the liquid load imparted by the intended use of the absorbent article. Additionally, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent medium can vary to accommodate users ranging from children to adults. It can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes (e.g. rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shaped, I-shaped, hourglass shaped, etc.) and from a wide variety of materials. Examples of common absorbent materials are cellulosic fluff, fabric layers, highly absorbent polymers (so-called superabsorbent polymer particles (SAP)), absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwoven materials or the like. It is common to combine cellulosic fluff pulp with superabsorbent polymers in an absorbent material.

"Registered" (e.g., registered design) means, for example, a print design that varies along a continuous fabric/film (and is repeated at intervals throughout) and that therefore , requires recognizing in some way where a processing action should occur, e.g. eg, a cut, to ensure that consecutive discrete products formed from the continuous fabric/film each have the same print design.

"Acquisition and distribution layer", "ADL" or "surge management part" refers to a sublayer that is preferably a nonwoven absorption layer under the top sheet of an absorbent product, which accelerates transport and improves the distribution of fluids throughout the absorbent core. The surge management portion is typically less hydrophilic than the retention portion and has the ability to rapidly collect and temporarily retain surges of liquid and to transport the liquid from its initial entry point to other parts of the absorbent structure, particularly to the retention part. This configuration can help prevent liquid from accumulating and collecting in the portion of the absorbent garment situated against the wearer's skin, thereby reducing the wearer's feeling of wetness. Preferably, the surge management portion is positioned between the top sheet and the retention portion.

The term "adhesive", as used herein, is intended to refer to any suitable hot melt, water or solvent based adhesive that can be applied to a surface of a film layer in the required pattern or network of areas of adhesive to form the nonwoven film laminate of the present invention. Accordingly, suitable adhesives include hot melt adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives and conventional reactive (i.e., polyurethane) adhesives. As used herein, the term "adhesive bonding" means a bonding process that forms a bond by applying an adhesive. Said adhesive application can be carried out by various procedures, such as contact coating, spray coating and other topical applications. Furthermore, said adhesive may be applied within a product component and then exposed to a pressure such that the contact of a second product component with the adhesive-containing product component forms an adhesive bond between the two components.

As used herein, the term "associated or attached or adhered" encompasses, unless expressly stated, configurations in which for example a top sheet is attached directly to a bottom sheet by securing the top sheet directly to the sheet. bottom sheet, and also configurations where the top sheet is joined to the bottom sheet by fixing the top sheet to intermediate members that, in turn, are fixed to the bottom sheet (i.e., indirect joining). The top sheet and the bottom sheet may be attached directly to each other by bonding means, such as an adhesive, sonic bonds, thermal bonds, or any other bonding means known in the art. For example, a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, a spray pattern of adhesive, or an array of separated lines, swirls, or dots of construction adhesive can be used to secure the top sheet to the bottom sheet. It should be readily appreciated that the joining means described above may also be employed to interconnect and assemble together the various other component parts of the article described herein.

The terms "back section" and "rear back section" are used herein interchangeably and refer to the area of the absorbent article that is in contact with the user's back when the absorbent article is worn. The term "bottom sheet" refers to a material that forms a liquid-impermeable covering of the absorbent article. The bottom sheet prevents exudates contained in the absorbent structure from wetting articles such as sheets and outer clothing that come into contact with the disposable absorbent article. The bottom sheet may be a unitary layer of material or may be a composite layer composed of multiple components assembled side by side or laminated. The backsheet may be the same or different in different parts of the absorbent article. At least in the area of the absorbent medium, the bottom sheet comprises a liquid impermeable material in the form of a thin plastic film, e.g. e.g., a polyethylene or polypropylene film, a nonwoven material coated with a liquid-impermeable material, a hydrophobic nonwoven material, which resists liquid penetration, or a laminate of a plastic film and a nonwoven material.

The bottom sheet material may be breathable to allow vapor to escape from the absorbent material while preventing the passage of liquids. Examples of breathable materials for bottom sheets are porous polymeric films, spunbond and meltblown nonwoven laminates, and laminates of porous polymeric films and nonwovens. The terms "belly section" and "front belly section" are used herein synonymously and refer to the area of the absorbent article that is in contact with the belly of the wearer when the absorbent article is worn.

As used herein, "body-facing" or "body-side" surface means the surface of the article or component that is intended to be arranged or placed adjacent to the user's body during normal use, while the "outward", "outward facing" or "garment side" surface is on the opposite side and is intended to be arranged away from the wearer's body during normal use. Said outward surface may be arranged to face or be positioned adjacent to the wearer's undergarments when wearing the absorbent article. "Joined" refers to the union, adhesion, connection, fixation, or similar, of at least two elements. Two elements will be considered to be linked together when they are linked directly to each other or indirectly to each other, such as when each is directly linked to intermediate elements.

The term "breathable" refers to layers, preferably elastic films or laminates, that have a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of at least 300 grams/m2 - 24 hours.

The expression "consisting essentially of" does not exclude the presence of additional materials that do not significantly affect the desired characteristics of a given composition or product. Exemplary materials of this type would include, without limitation, pigments, antioxidants, stabilizers, surfactants, waxes, flow promoters, solvents, particles and materials added to improve the processability of the composition.

Additionally, an absorbent article may comprise "retaining tabs" or "leg cuffs." In general, containment tabs are thought to be particularly suitable for containing fecal matter and for preventing lateral flow of liquid waste until such time as the liquid waste can be absorbed by the absorbent article. Such containment tabs generally comprise a proximal edge, adapted to be attached to the absorbent article, and an opposing distal edge that is generally not attached to the absorbent article along at least a portion of its length. An elastic member is generally located adjacent to the distal edge to help maintain the containment flange in a vertical condition and to maintain a sealing relationship between the distal edge of the containment flange and the body of the user during use. The elastic member is generally located between two layers of material so that the elastic does not come into contact with the user's body. Containment tabs can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials, such as polypropylene, polyester, rayon, nylon, foams, plastic films, formed films, and elastic foams. Various manufacturing techniques can be used to manufacture the containment tabs. For example, containment tabs may be woven, nonwoven, spunbonded, carded, meltblown, or the like.

An absorbent article may comprise leg containment gaskets. Leg "containment gaskets" help prevent leakage of body exudates when the wearer exerts compressive forces on the absorbent article. Specifically, the rigidity of the leg containment gaskets prevents the leg openings of the absorbent article from twisting and wrinkling, which can lead to leaks. Additionally, the elasticity and conformability of the leg restraint gaskets ensures that the body-facing surface of the leg restraint gaskets provides an adequate seal against the user's body. The physical properties of leg containment gaskets, such as thickness and stiffness, also function to separate the body side liner, outer shell and absorbent core away from the user's body when in use. Thus, a void volume is created between the wearer's body and the body side liner and absorbent core of the absorbent article to help contain body exudates. "Mechanical bond" means a bond between two or more elements, components, regions or fabrics and may comprise thermal bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable non-adhesive bonding means or combinations of these means of bonding. Union.

The term "exudate" refers to both urine and feces, as well as any other body fluid.

"Hot melt adhesive" means a formulation generally comprising several components. These components typically include one or more polymers to provide cohesive strength (for example, aliphatic polyolefins such as poly(ethylene-co-propylene) copolymer; ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers; styrene-butadiene or styrene-isoprene block copolymers. ; etc.); a resin or analogous material (sometimes called tackifier) to provide adhesive force (for example, hydrocarbons distilled from petroleum distillates; rosins and/or esters of rosin; derivatives of terpenes, for example, from wood or citrus, etc. ); perhaps waxes, plasticizers or other materials to modify viscosity (i.e., fluidity) (examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, polybutene, paraffin oils, ester oils and the like); and/or other additives including, but not limited to, antioxidants or other stabilizers. For example, a typical hot melt adhesive formulation might contain from about 15 to about 35 weight percent cohesive strength polymer or polymers; from about 50 to about 65 weight percent resin or other tackifier or tackifiers; from more than zero to about 30 weight percent plasticizer or other viscosity modifier; and optionally less than about 1 weight percent stabilizer or other additive.

It should be understood that other adhesive formulations comprising different weight percentages of these components are possible. "Discontinuous bond pattern", as used herein, refers to a pattern of bond areas, in particular bond areas between layers, whereby at least, in at least one region, the layers are not united. A discontinuous bond pattern may comprise one connected bond area or multiple disconnected bond areas. A discontinuous bonding pattern may further comprise a connected bonding area comprising several holes, where the layers are not bonded, preferably according to a regular pattern, or may comprise discrete disconnected bonding areas, e.g. e.g. a dot-jointed pattern comprising a plurality of spaced-apart bonding points surrounded by non-bonded areas or a line-joined pattern comprising a plurality of spaced-apart bonding lines alternating by non-bonded areas, preferably according to a regular pattern.

The term "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles that are generally not intended to be washed or recovered or otherwise reused as an absorbent article (i.e., are intended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner. As used herein, the terms "elastic", "elastomeric", "elasticity" or their derivatives are used for. describe the ability of various materials and objects composed of them to undergo reversible deformation under tension, e.g., stretching or extending, in at least one direction when a force is applied to the material and to substantially return to their original dimensions upon relaxation, that is, when the force is released, without breaking or breaking. Preferably, it refers to a material or composite material that can be elongated in at least one direction by at least 50% of its relaxed length, that is, elongated by at least one direction. 150% of its relaxed length, and which will recover at least 40% of its elongation when released from the applied tension. Consequently, upon release from the applied stress at 50% elongation, the material or composite contracts to a relaxed length of no more than 130% of its original length.

Examples of suitable elastomeric materials include polyether-polyamide block copolymers, polyurethanes, type A-B-A and linear synthetic A-B block copolymers, chlorinated rubber/EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) blends, EPDM (ethylene-propylene diene monomer) rubbers. ), EPM (ethylene-propylene monomer) rubbers, EPDM/EPM/EVA blends and similar. The term "elasticized" or "elastified" refers to a material, layer, or substrate that is naturally inelastic, but that has been made elastic, for example, by suitably bonding an elastic material, layer, or substrate thereto.

"Elongation" means the ratio of the extension of a material to the length of the material before extension (expressed as a percentage). "Extension" means the change in length of a material due to stretching (expressed in units of length). As used herein, the term "extensible" means extendable in at least one direction, but not necessarily recoverable.

The term "finished" or "final", when used in reference to a product, means that the product has been manufactured properly for its intended purpose. As used herein, the term "garment" means any type of clothing that may be worn. This includes diapers, training underwear, incontinence products, surgical gowns, industrial work clothes and coveralls, underwear, pants, shirts, jackets and the like.

The term "graphic" includes, but is not limited to, any type of design, image, mark, figure, codes, words, patterns, or the like. For a product such as a learning panty, the graphics will generally include objects associated with little boys and girls, such as multicolored trucks, airplanes, balls, dolls, bows or the like.

As used herein, the term "impermeable" generally refers to articles and/or elements that are substantially not penetrated by an aqueous fluid throughout their thickness under a pressure of 1.0 kPa or less. Preferably, the impermeable article or element is not penetrated by an aqueous fluid under pressures of 3.4 kPa or less. More preferably, the impermeable article or element is not penetrated by a fluid under pressures of 6.8 kPa or less. An article or element that is not waterproof is permeable.

"Integral" is used to refer to multiple parts of a single unitary element rather than separate structures attached to, or placed with, or placed near each other. "Join", "joining", "united", or variations thereof, when used to describe the relationship between two or more elements, means that the elements may be connected together in any suitable manner, such as by heat sealing, ultrasonic unions, thermal union, adhesives, suture or similar. Additionally, the elements may be attached directly to each other, or may have one or more elements interposed between them, all of which are connected to each other.

The expression "flat laid state" or "fully stretched state" or "extended state" refers to the article when it is flattened in one plane or substantially flattened in one plane and is used in contrast to when the article is otherwise placed, such as when the article is folded or formed or for use by a user. Use of the term "layer" may refer to, but is not limited to, any type of substrate, such as a woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, films, laminates, composite materials, elastomeric materials, or the like, or even formulations, such as adhesives. , which form a substrate upon a change in conditions (for example, solidification of a hot melt adhesive when the temperature drops below a predetermined amount). A layer may be permeable to both liquids and air, permeable to air but impermeable to liquids, impermeable to both air and liquids, or the like. When used in the singular, it can have the dual meaning of a single element or a plurality of elements.

The term "nonwoven fabric or fabric" means a sheet material that has a structure of individual fibers or threads that intertwine, but not in a regular manner as occurs in interweaving or weaving processes. Woven or nonwoven fabrics have been formed from many processes such as, for example, melt blown processes, spunbond processes, and bonded carded fabric processes.

By the terms "particle", "particles", "particulate material", "particulate materials" and the like, it is meant that the material is generally in the form of discrete units. The units may comprise granules, powders, spheres, pulverized materials or the like, as well as combinations thereof. The particles may have any desired shape, such as, for example, cubic, rod-like, polyhedral, spherical or hemispherical, rounded or semi-rounded, angular, irregular, etc. Shapes that have a large major dimension/minor dimension ratio, such as needles, flakes, and fibers, are also contemplated for inclusion herein. The terms "particle" or "particulate material" may also include an agglomeration comprising more than one individual particle, particulate material or the like. Additionally, a particle, a particulate, or any desired agglomeration thereof may be composed of more than one type of material.

Use of the term "substrate" includes, but is not limited to, woven or nonwoven fabrics, porous films, ink-permeable films, paper, composite structures, or the like.

Superabsorbent materials (e.g., superabsorbent polymers) suitable for use in the present disclosure are known to those skilled in the art and may be in any operational form, such as in the form of particulate material, fibers and mixtures thereof. It has been generally established that the "super absorbent material" may be a water-swellable, generally water-insoluble material, a hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material, which is capable of absorbing at least about 15, suitably about 30, and possibly approximately 60 times or more its weight in physiological saline (e.g., saline with 0.9% by weight NaCl). The superabsorbent material can be biodegradable or bipolar. The hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material may be formed from an organic hydrogel-forming polymeric material, which may include natural material such as agar, pectin and guar gum; modified natural materials such as carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose; and synthetic hydrogel-forming polymers. Synthetic hydrogel-forming polymers include, for example, alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohol, copolymers of ethylene and maleic anhydride, poly(vinyl ethers), polyvinylmorpholinone, polymers and copolymers of vinylsulfonic acid, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides , polyvinylpyridine and the like.

Other suitable hydrogel-forming polymers include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-grafted starch, acrylic acid-grafted starch, and isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymers and mixtures thereof. Hydrogel-forming polymers can be slightly cross-linked to make the material substantially insoluble in water. Cross-linking can, for example, be by irradiation or covalent, ionic, Van der Waals or hydrogen bonding. The superabsorbent material may suitably be included in a designated storage or retention portion of the absorbent system, and may optionally be employed in other components or parts of the absorbent article. The superabsorbent material may be included in the absorbent layer or other fluid storage layer of the absorbent article of the present invention in an amount of up to about 60% by weight.

Usually, the superabsorbent material, when present, will be included in an amount of about 10% to about 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the absorbent layer. "Superabsorbent polymer particles" or "SAPs" refer to water-expandable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic materials capable, under the most favorable conditions, of absorbing at least about 10 times their weight, or at least about 15 times their weight, or at least about 25 times its weight in an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride. In absorbent articles, such as diapers, incontinence diapers, etc., the particle size typically varies between 100 and 800 μm, preferably between 300 and 600 μm, more preferably between 400 and 500 μm.

The term "top sheet" refers to a sheet of liquid-permeable material that forms the inner cover of the absorbent article and which, in use, is placed in direct contact with the skin of the user. The top sheet is typically used to help isolate the user's skin from liquids retained in the absorbent structure. The topsheet may comprise a non-woven material, e.g. e.g., spunbonded, melt blown, carded, hydroentangled, wet, etc. Suitable nonwoven materials may be composed of synthetic fibers, such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, viscose, rayon, etc. or natural fibers, such as wood pulp or cotton fibers, or a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet material may further be composed of two fibers, which may be bonded together in a bonding pattern. Other examples of topsheet materials are porous foams, apertured plastic films, nonwoven laminates and perforated plastic films, etc. Materials suitable as topsheet materials should be soft and non-irritating to the skin and should be easily penetrated by body fluids, e.g. e.g., urine or menstrual fluid. The inner cover sheet may further be different in different parts of the absorbent article. The topsheet fabrics may be composed of a substantially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may optionally be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to convey a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity.

As used herein, the term "transverse" or "lateral" refers to a line, axis, or direction that lies within the plane of the absorbent article and is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

"Ultrasonic welding" refers to a technology that joins two materials by melting them with the heat generated by ultrasonic oscillation and then laminating them together, so that the molten materials flow and fill the space between the two unaffected parts of the two materials, respectively. . After cooling and shaping, the two materials join together.

"Shape-based lock" refers to locking using the shape of an element, such as a key lock where the shape of an element provides a resisting force against opening.

"Force-based locking" means locking by means selected from the group consisting of electromechanical, magnetic, adhesive, and combinations thereof. "Substantial portion", as used herein with reference to an element/component (e.g. humidity sensing tracks), refers to at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, of said element/component, generally measured as a surface area taken in the flat deposited state of the absorbent article.

"Moisture detection tracks", as used herein, refer to tracks that are suitable for, but are not limited to, the detection of humidity, for example, such tracks may additionally or alternatively detect another form of exudates that do not necessarily produce moisture, such as the detection of feces. These can be configured to undergo changes in the presence of certain substances, such as feces and/or cellulose fibers combined with superabsorbent polymers impregnated with urine.

"Substantially perpendicular (or parallel)" refers to an element that extends at an angle no greater than 35°, preferably less than 25°, more preferably less than 20°, even more preferably less than 15°, even more preferably less at 10°, most preferably less than 5°, from the referred perpendicular (or parallel) axis.

"Terminal" refers to the point at which a conductor of an electrical component, device or network comes to an end and provides a connection point to external circuits. By this is meant terminals integrated into the attachable data processing module as described herein. These are preferably composed of metal or a metal alloy, more preferably of a metal or metal alloy coated with a precious metal, even more preferably gold-plated.

Embodiments in accordance with the disclosure will now be described. It is understood that the technical characteristics described in one or more embodiments may be combined with one or more embodiments without departing from the intent of the disclosure and without a generalization thereof.

THE SUBSTRATE

In one embodiment, by way of example shown in Figs. 1A to 1C, a substrate 10 suitable for incorporation into an absorbent article 100 is provided to monitor and detect the presence of moisture therein and/or the risk of leakage. of exudates thereof. Said substrate 10 comprises a conductive pattern 101 disposed on a first surface 20 that may be disposed proximally to a body-facing side of the absorbent article 100, wherein said conductive pattern 101 may be placed in electrical communication with a processing module 103. clip-on data. Said conductive pattern 101 comprises: a plurality of connection tracks, illustrative connection tracks 1', 2', 3', 4', 5'; and a plurality of detection tracks 9 connected to said connection tracks 1', 2', 3', 4', 5', and wherein the conductive pattern 101 is configured in a way that an addressing of multiple combinations of said plurality of connecting tracks, for example, tracks 1', 2', 3', 4', 5', with corresponding terminals of the clip-on data processing module 103, illustrative terminals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, results in multiple electrical circuit configurations to measure resistance, impedance and/or capacitance across them.

Although in this case, 5 connection tracks 1', 2', 3', 4', 5' are shown, a different number of connection tracks can be used. Especially, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, more than 3, more than 4, more than 5, more than can be used. 6, over 7, over 8, over 9, over 10, over 11, over 12, over 13, over 14, over 15, over 16, over 17, over 18 tracks of connection. The greater the number of connection tracks, the more permutations of connection tracks are possible, resulting in a greater number of distinguishable detection zones and therefore more precise localization of the input.

In the context of Figs. 1A to 1C, the substrate 10 further comprises a second surface 30 opposite said first surface 20 and which may be disposed proximally to one side of said absorbent article 100 facing the garment. In addition to this or alternatively, the attachable data processing module 103 may be in electrical communication with the conductive pattern 101 when connected in a proximal position to a first end 50 of the substrate 10, such that it forms at least one circuit. closed electric.

In a preferred embodiment, the connection tracks, e.g., tracks 1', 2', 3', 4', 5', are configured to allow an electrical current to flow from the corresponding terminals of the attachable data processing module 103. , illustrative terminals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, when connected to them. Additionally or alternatively, said connection tracks may also be configured to allow an electrical current to flow to, or from, corresponding terminals of the attachable data processing module 103 (sometimes also referred to hereinafter as module hookable).

It may be beneficial for said connecting tracks, illustrative tracks 1', 2', 3', 4', 5', to extend substantially parallel to a length L of the substrate and substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (y-y) that crosses a first end 50 and a second end 60 of the substrate 10. On the other hand, the detection tracks 9 are configured to undergo changes in the presence of certain substances, such as feces and/or cellulose fibers combined with superabsorbent polymers impregnated with urine.

Advantageously, it has been found that a substrate comprising the conductive pattern 101 described above provides accurate detection of exudates as well as being particularly suitable for fully scalable in-line mass production at high speeds, without the need to change the arrangement depending on the product size. For example, an advantage of placing the sensing tracks connected to the connecting tracks is that, if/when the substrate is cut to form, for example, leg openings (which may vary depending on the size of the product), the assembly The circuitry is not damaged and moisture detection is still ensured in the highest leak risk areas that are located proximal to the edges and/or sides of the absorbent article.

More advantageously, the aforementioned conductive pattern 101 allows multiple use of the terminals 33 of the clip-on data processing module 103, which, in turn, allows humidity to be detected along different specific areas of the absorbent article 100, such as will be described in greater detail later in the disclosure.

Preferably, the conductive pattern 101 comprises an electrically conductive material, and is preferably a printed conductive pattern, so that the distribution of said conductive pattern 101 (also referred to herein as a sensor pattern) is recorded and, consequently, the design of the sensor is comprised directly on the substrate 10. This is advantageous, since additional modifications such as, for example, in order to characterize the absorbent product 100 (including, for example, information regarding the size of the product, absorbency of the core or similar), may be included directly within the printed conductive pattern. In addition to this, said sensor design may also comprise registration marks 300, as shown in Fig. 9A, arranged to provide activation of a registration device that performs steps of the method.

On the other hand, the conductive pattern 101 comprises, preferably consists of, a carbon-based ink and/or a conductive polymer-based ink, the carbon-based ink preferably comprising a conductive compound selected from the group that consists of graphene, graphite, nanocarbon tubes and mixtures thereof, the conductive polymer-based ink preferably comprising a conductive compound selected from the group consisting of polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline and copolymers thereof, more preferably selected among the group consisting of poly(pyrroles) (PPY), polyanilines (PANI), poly(thiophenes) (PT), poly(p-phenylene sulfide) (PPS), poly(p-phenylene) (PPP), poly (acetylenes) (PAC), poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and mixtures thereof, the most preferred conductive polymer-based ink comprising poly(3,4- ethylenedioxythiophene)polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS).

This is advantageous as rapid production is achieved while ensuring good compatibility with the final product, as opposed to adding extraneous conductive elements such as copper wires and the like, which are more likely to tear the waterproof substrate. to liquids. Indeed, in the present disclosure in this case it is preferred to avoid inks that contain metals (that is, that are metal-free inks), particularly due to the environmental impact when disposing of them.

In a highly preferred embodiment, as depicted in Fig. 1B and 1C, the substrate 10 further comprises at least one insulating layer 200, preferably being impermeable to liquids, adhered thereto and sized to cover at least a portion of the conductive pattern. 101 (typically said "at least a portion" being proximal to a position where the attachable data processing module 103 is connected to said substrate). Said at least one insulating layer 200 is adapted to provide a seal and/or barrier to prevent liquid and/or exudates from coming into contact with said part of the conductive pattern 101, preferably wherein the detection tracks 9 remain exposed to the liquids and/or exudates and are not covered by said at least one insulating layer 200. Advantageously, the at least one insulating layer protects parts of the conductive pattern 101 from coming into direct contact with exudates, limiting the risk of false positives, noise and even detection failure.

Preferably, the at least one insulating layer 200 is a non-conductive substrate such as a film typically comprising polyethylene or polypropylene or a combination, alternatively the at least one insulating layer 200 is in the form of a non-conductive adhesive (preferably a hot melt adhesive). and/or a non-conductive ink.

On the other hand, in one embodiment, the at least one insulating layer 200 has a length that extends parallel to the length L of the substrate 10 that is equal to or less than said length L of the substrate 10. Preferably, the length of said at least an insulating layer 200 is 0.8 l to 1, preferably 0.85 l to 0.99 l.

In a preferred embodiment, see Fig. 1B, the width w of the at least one insulating layer 200 is less than the width W of a bottom sheet (and/or substrate 10), preferably it is less than 0.5 W, more preferably 0.05 W to 0.35 W, even more preferably 0.08 W to 0.30 W, most preferably 0.1 W to 0.2 W.

On the other hand, in one embodiment, the at least one insulating layer 200 has a thickness (typically extending along a perpendicular axis both along the length and width w of said insulating layer) of 0.7 mm or less, preferably 0.005 mm to 0.500 mm, more preferably 0.010 mm to 0.200 mm, more preferably 0.015 mm to 0.08 mm. Thickness measurements can be made in accordance with ASTM D1777 and typically using a micrometer such as C640 or CHY-C2A from Labthink International, 200 River's Edge Drive, Medford, MA, USA.

In a highly preferred embodiment, as depicted in Fig. 1C, the substrate 10 comprises one or more slots 15 for insertion of the attachable module 103. In addition to this, a pocket 16 is formed between the first surface 20 and the at least one insulating layer 200 proximal to the first end 50, said pocket 16 being in fluid communication only with said slot(s) 15 and arranged to retain at least a part of the data processing module 103 engageable therein. This is beneficial as an effective retention pocket is achieved through an economical and adjustable manufacturing procedure that allows the manufacture of such substrates at high production speeds, still ensuring that a pocket is formed to retain the engageable module in contact. with the connecting tracks while at the same time providing insulation against exudates as the substrate is soaked.

Preferably, the pocket 16 has a size such that it matches the dimensions of a pocket insertion member of the attachable module 103 (sometimes also referred to herein as a connection member) which typically comprises terminals 33 (as will be described later in the present document in more detail), so that said terminals 33 enter into electrical communication with the respective connection tracks by simply inserting the clip-on module 103 into the pocket 16 until a dimension of the pocket prevents further insertion. Advantageously, this allows the caregiver to connect said clip-on module 103 without having to worry about particularly positioning the module to ensure a good electrical connection.

To insert the module, an opening cut (or slot) can be created within the substrate. The opening cut may be a simple straight line or may have a shape that requires the die-cut trim to be removed during the manufacturing procedure. The opening cut may have a shape that allows the insertion position of the clip-on module to be easily identified, that allows easy insertion, and that can hold the module firmly in place after insertion.

In a preferred embodiment, exemplified in Fig. 2A-2C, the sensor design, i.e., the conductive pattern 101, integrates tolerances T1 to position the lockable data processing module 103 in one direction along a parallel axis. to the longitudinal axis (y-y) and proximal towards the first end 50, which counteracts both the positioning of the tail when the substrate 10 is integrated into the absorbent article 100, and the manual attachment of the reusable hookable module 103 to the absorbent article 100 therein. address. Additionally, the sensor design integrates a tolerance T2 to position the slot(s) 15 in a direction along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (y-y) with respect to the placement of the conductive pattern 101 on the first surface 20. This arrangement counteracts both the placement of the conductive pattern 101 (e.g., through camera detection of the registration marks used when placing the registered pattern against the substrate 10) and the placement of grooves 15 that would damage the printed sensor if they were much closer to the conductive pattern, see Fig. 2B.

On the other hand, said conductive pattern also integrates a tolerance T3 for the positioning of the attachable data processing module 103 and, therefore, of its terminals 33, with respect to the position of the connection tracks, illustrative connection tracks 1' , 2', 3', 4', 5' in Fig. 2C. This arrangement counteracts the placement of the printed sensor against the substrate 10, the application of glue in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal (y-y) axis, and the manual attachment of the reusable hookable module 103 to the absorbent article 100 in said direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the conductive pattern 101 extends symmetrically in a direction substantially parallel to the length L of the substrate 10 and in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, defining a plurality of independent electrical circuits, and where the combinations of said circuits electrical devices are in electrical communication by selective addressing of at least two of the connection tracks with at least two corresponding terminals 33 of the attachable data processing module 103. Preferably, the number of terminals 33 of the clip-on module 103 is at least identical to the number of connection tracks.

The basic concept in which the plurality of connection tracks can be selectively addressed by multiple terminals 33 of the clip-on module 103 is described in the context of Figs. 3A to 3F. Preferably, at least two terminals 33 of the clip-on data processing module 103 can be connected to a voltage source 36, as illustrated in Fig. 3A. The voltage source 36 may be part of a conductive circuit that incorporates at least a portion of the conductive pattern 101. Alternatively, the voltage source 36 may be part of a circuit incorporated into the module 103 engageable and therefore in contact with the terminals 33. Fig. 3B represents an example of a conductive (printed) pattern 101 comprising a plurality of connection tracks, four illustrative tracks 1', 2', 3', 4', which can be connected to the corresponding available terminals, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, of the clip-on module 103 when attached thereto, shown in Fig. 3C.

Fig. 3D shows an illustrative circuit that is activated by connecting the voltage source 36 to terminals 1 and 2 of the clip-on module 103, which, in turn, are connected to the corresponding connection tracks 1' and 2'. From Figs. 3C to 3E it is clear that, although several tracks of the conductive pattern 101 are available, different circuits are activated by selective addressing (hereinafter, both "addressing" and "connection" can be used to refer to the same mechanism), through the voltage source 36, at least two terminals of the module 103 engageable to at least two corresponding connection tracks. For reasons of clarity, hereinafter, the voltage source 36 may not be explicitly mentioned (unless necessary) when referring to "terminals 33 connected to connection tracks".

The selection of said at least two of the plurality of connection tracks and/or terminals 33 can be carried out electronically. By way of example, said electronic selection can be achieved by controlling the available terminals 33 of the hookable data processing module 101 through one or more switches 37, as illustrated in Figs. 4A and 4B in which an electrical circuit to example for an arrangement with a conductive pattern 101 comprising four connection tracks 1', 2', 3', 4' and the four corresponding terminals 1,2, 3, 4 of the attachable module 103 are connected to a power source voltage 36 through switches 37. A part of said exemplary circuit may belong to the conductor pattern 101, while another part comprising the voltage source 36 and switches 37 may be part of the latchable module 103, or alternatively, It may be connected to terminals 1, 2, 3, 4 of the attachable module 103. In Fig. 4A, a circuit that controls terminals 1 and 4 is enabled by closing switches 37, 37b. A different circuit is enabled by selectively connecting the terminals 2, 3 via switches 37, 37b, for example, to the corresponding connection tracks 2', 3', see Fig. 4B.

Likewise, the circuit combinations defined by the conductor pattern 101 can be enabled by selectively addressing multiple combinations of at least pairs of connection tracks through multiple combinations of corresponding pairs of terminals 33. By way of example, the circuit shown at the top of Fig. 5<a>is selectively activated or enabled by addressing the connection tracks 1', 2', through the terminals 1,2, while another circuit is selected in the lower part of Fig. 5A putting the terminals 1,3 in electrical contact with the connection tracks 1', 3'.

On the other hand, by selectively addressing multiple combinations of said plurality of connection tracks with corresponding terminals of the attachable data processing module 103, resistance, impedance and/or capacitance measurements are also enabled across the multiple circuits. electrical devices defined by said conductive pattern 101.

Furthermore, as explained above, portions of the conductive pattern 101 may be designed in such a way that they are configured to undergo changes, preferably in their electrical properties, in the presence of certain substances (such as feces and/or cellulose fibers with superabsorbent polymers). saturated with urine, or similar) and as such are detection tracks 9. Therefore, variations in resistance, impedance and/or capacitance measured through selected electrical circuits defined by said detection tracks make it possible to detect whether at least A part of said circuit is in contact with humidity due to exposure to liquids and/or exudates.

It is also mentioned that the present invention relates to the fact that conclusions about the presence of certain substances can be transferred to the area in which the substance is actually present. As an example, Fig. 5A-5C illustrate that multiple combinations of multiple terminals 33 can also result in the retrieval of information about sensing zones, defined as zones on the substrate 10 in which the conductive pattern 101 is capable of undergoing changes. resistance, impedance and/or capacitance. Specifically, as can be seen in Fig. 5A, addressing the terminals 1, 2 through the corresponding connection tracks 1', 2' activates a circuit located in the upper area 38 of said Fig. 5A. In the case that the part of the conductive pattern 101 in said zone comprises detection tracks 9, a detection zone 38 is therefore defined and represented as zone "1+2". In addition to this, the circuit enabled by applying a voltage source to the illustrative terminals 1, 3 that address the corresponding connection tracks 1', 3' can also result in another wet zone 38, represented as zone "1+3".

Accordingly, it can also be seen that multiple combinations of available terminals 33 that address the corresponding connection tracks of the conductive pattern 101 can be chosen in order to detect specific and/or desired areas of the substrate 10 where an accumulation of humidity. Fig. 5B and 5C illustrate exemplary arrangements with multiple combinations of at least two terminals 33 that selectively route to at least two connection tracks of the conductive (printed) pattern 101, enabling various circuits and corresponding detection zones.

The number of terminal combinations that can be addressed to connection tracks of the substrate 101 can be calculated theoretically. For a given set of n terminals, the number of combinations of two of these n terminals is given by given by ctheory obtained from the following equation:

However, design restrictions are found related to working in a two-dimensional (2D) space of the substrate 10, giving rise to a limited number of combinations of the n terminals created, which are equal to or less than the expected number ctheory, that is, Creal ^ Ctheory. While a combination of two terminals with two connection tracks is simple, as shown by way of example in Fig. 6A, the connection of two, three or more terminals is more complicated, since it is required to include additional conductive tracks in the design of the conductive pattern 101. Working within a 2D substrate 10 (on which the conductive pattern is applied) requires that adding multiple tracks to the (printed) conductive pattern 101 to connect more terminals should avoid the creation of cross tracks. Such cross tracks can create shortcuts within the conductive pattern that can leave some parts of the substrate 10 undetected by the terminals. On the other hand, the addition of conductive tracks in order to connect multiple pairs of terminals 33 may not result in a single connection between said two terminals, but rather may define multiple circuits that could be activated by addressing said two terminals, as shown below. example in Fig. 6B and 6C. Therefore, it may not be possible to define a single detection zone by addressing two connection tracks through corresponding terminals, through a voltage source 36.

The present invention advantageously avoids this situation by designing the conductive pattern 101 so that it defines multiple circuits that produce unique detection zones when addressed by the attachable module 103. Illustrative arrangements with three, four and five connection tracks addressed by three, four and five terminals are illustrated in Figs. 6D to 6E, respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the conductive pattern 101 extends symmetrically in a direction substantially parallel to the length L of the substrate 10 and in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto that defines a plurality of independent electrical circuits, and where the combinations of said circuits electrical devices are in electrical communication by selective addressing of at least two of the connection tracks with at least two corresponding terminals of the attachable data processing module 103, as explained above. Examples of such conductive patterns are shown in Figs. 9A and 10.

Preferably, said plurality of circuits defined by the conductive pattern 101 are circuits with a closed configuration, as shown by way of example in Fig. 7A. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of circuits defined by the conductor pattern 101 are circuits with an open configuration, as shown by way of example in Fig. 7C. Additionally or alternatively, said plurality of circuits defined by the conductive pattern 101 have a configuration that allows glue lines to be applied when the substrate 10 is incorporated into an absorbent article 100, so that said glue lines do not impair the electrical properties of the circuits, as will be seen later.

Closed circuits, as shown by way of example in Fig. 8A, are characterized by a finite conductivity Sseco measured by applying a known voltage source (additionally or alternatively a known current source ¡closed) connecting at least two terminals 33 corresponding to the attachable module. Open circuits are characterized by a conductivity equal to zero, Sseco = 0, since said circuit is not yet closed by connecting at least two terminals of the pluggable data processing module 103, see Fig. 8B. An advantage of open-loop configurations over closed-loop configurations is related to their electrical response to the presence of moisture, as also illustrated in Fig. 8A and 8B: once a moisture event occurs, a portion of the open circuit (Fig. 8A) and the closed circuit (Fig. 8B) exposed to humidity define a first detection zone 38 with area A1; a subsequent humidity event is considered, which defines a detection zone 38 expanded with area A1+A2. This is reflected in the conductivity measured through said circuits depending on the wet area. In the case that the circuits are not subjected to humidity, a measured conductivity for the closed circuit starts from a finite value Sseco t 0, while for an open circuit it starts at zero value, Sseco = 0. Both for open circuits As closed, the conductivity increases as the humidity area increases and reaches a stable value Damp. Such a stable conductivity Wet can be in the same range for closed loop and open loop configuration, unlike Sdry.

The detection capacity of the circuits defined by the conductive pattern 101 is found through the difference in the Wet - Sdry conductivity values; Therefore, an open-loop configuration has a greater detection capacity than the detection capacity of a closed-loop configuration. This feature is particularly advantageous, since resistance, impedance and/or conductivity measurements of the various circuits defined by the conductive pattern 101 can be easily interpreted as a value of the detection capacity or, alternatively, as the ability to detect humidity.

A disadvantage of an open loop configuration over a closed loop configuration is the lack of ability to verify whether the terminals 33 of the clip-on module 103 are correctly connected to the connection traces (printed) of the conductor pattern 101. Therefore, it could be Particularly advantageous is that the plurality of circuits defined by the conductive pattern 101 comprise combinations of closed circuit configurations and open circuit configurations, as shown by way of example in Figs. 9A and 10.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the plurality of circuits defined by the conductor pattern 101 is a circuit with a closed configuration, in order to ensure that adequate connectivity is achieved between the plurality of connection tracks of the conductor pattern 101 and the corresponding terminals of the clip-on module 103 when secured thereto, see example in Fig. 9A.

On the other hand, the conductive pattern 101 can have a shape selected between straight lines and/or curved lines, exemplified in Fig. 10. Advantageously, said arrangements can avoid some defects in the printing procedure by placing the conductive pattern 101 on the first surface 20 of the substrate 10.

In one embodiment, the detection tracks 9 of the conductive pattern 101 may have a connected shape. These shapes may comprise, for example, solid or open rectangles and/or solid or open triangles and/or solid or open ellipses or a combination thereof, as shown in Fig. 9B. Preferably, the detection tracks 9 are "T" shaped with a height equal to the width of the detection track and a width equal to 5 times the width of the detection track.

In one embodiment, a thickness and/or a length and/or a width and/or a specific conductivity of at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of circuits defined by the conductive pattern 101 comprises identifiers of the absorbent article 100 that are detected when connected to the attachable data processing module 103. Preferably, said at least one circuit is a closed circuit configuration. Advantageously, identifiers of an absorbent article 100 (such as absorbency level and/or size and/or color and/or an inventory number or the like) can be predefined by assigning an initial capacitive and/or resistive measurement to a specific circuit of the conductive pattern 101, preferably being a closed circuit, after its incorporation into the absorbent article. The preset values may be stored in a memory within the attachable data processing module 103. This is exemplified in Fig. 11, in which three conductive patterns 101 are shown, each having a closed loop configuration with different thickness on its side, resulting in three different values for a resistance, impedance and/or capacitance measured across them when measured when attached to the clip-on data processing module 103. Each of the measured resistance, impedance, and/or capacitance values may be related, for example, to a specific level of absorbency when the conductive pattern is incorporated into an absorbent article 100.

Other advantages of the present invention are shown in Figs. 12A-12E. In this context, it is worth mentioning that enabling or activating open circuits with different configurations with respect to the position of the at least one insulating layer 200, results in a specific response of the measured resistance, impedance and/or capacitance to the presence of humidity. . Fig. 12A shows an exemplary embodiment comprising a combination of open circuit configurations for the conductive pattern 101 and an insulating layer 200.

If moisture buildup occurs in the detection zone 38 depicted in Fig. 12B, the moisture may cause a change in the resistance, impedance and/or conductivity (or generally electrical properties) of the circuit enabled by terminals 1 and 2. Additionally or alternatively, a buildup of moisture present in a different detection zone, exemplified in Fig. 12C, may cause a change in the circuit connected by terminals 2 and 3. As a further example, see Fig. 12D , subsequent humidity events may activate an expanded detection zone 38, causing a change in the electrical properties of the circuits enabled by terminals 1 and 2 that address connection tracks 1', 2', and 2 and 3 that they address the connecting tracks 2', 3'. A subsequent moisture event may also cause a change in the electrical properties of the circuit enabled by terminals 3 and 4, which address connection tracks 3', 4'. It should also be mentioned that the detection zones depicted in Fig. 12D and 12e may alternatively correspond to a single moisture event or alternatively to a moisture accumulation rather than subsequent events.

On the other hand, by selectively activating each of the circuits represented in Figs. 12A-12E, it is possible to detect whether a corresponding detection zone is wet or dry, that is, if the electrical properties of said circuits change in each detection zone. This arrangement is particularly advantageous as it also allows for complete mapping of the humidity of the substrate 10 and the absorbent article 100 in which it is incorporated.

The electrical properties measured across multiple combinations of circuits defined by the conductive pattern 101 with respect to the presence of the at least one insulating layer 200 are illustrated in Figs. 13A to 13D. An example of two open circuit configurations enabled by connection tracks 1', 2', 3' and three terminals 1, 2, 3, defining a detection zone 38 and comprising an insulating layer 200 is shown in Fig. .13A. The humidity that occurs in said detection zone 38 causes a change only in the electrical properties of the circuit enabled when connecting the terminals 1, 2 to the corresponding connection tracks 1', 2'. It can be seen that a part of the circuit enabled by terminals 1 and 3 is covered by the insulating layer 200, therefore, said part of the conductive pattern 101 is not exposed to humidity.

On the contrary, for the exemplary arrangement without said insulating layer 200, as shown in Fig. 13B, humidity in the detection zone 38 causes a change in the electrical properties of both the circuit enabled by the terminals 1 and 2 as well as the circuit enabled by terminals 1 and 3, since all parts of the conductive pattern 101 that defines the circuits are exposed to moisture (and therefore correspond to detection tracks 9). Accordingly, the use of at least one insulating layer 200 improves the accuracy in detecting areas where moisture occurs. In contrast, subsequent moisture events may not be accurately detected if at least one insulating layer is not comprised in the substrate 10, as illustrated in the examples of Figs. 13C and 13D, in which both the detection zones Shortened and extended ones cause changes in the two circuits as an example.

THE ATTACHABLE DATA PROCESSING MODULE

Clip-on data processing modules (also called snap-on module or module) for use herein are preferably of the re-attachable and replaceable type. This means that the modules are adapted to be attached to an absorbent article and subsequently detached from it once the absorbent article is to be discarded. The modules are therefore adapted for multiple uses and can be connected in sequence to a plurality of absorbent articles (i.e., one after another) and to the same or a different patient and/or subject. The modules can be cleaned and their battery charged between a plurality of absorbent article changes. The net result is that an efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution is provided.

As mentioned in the embodiments herein, the attachable data processing module typically has a part that can be inserted into a pocket of the absorbent article, a second part that remains outside said pocket and a third part that allows said device to be folded. between the first and the second part. The flexing part may be a mechanical hinge or a flexible element that allows relative movement between the first and second part. It is generally arranged in a way that allows all parts to be properly cleaned after use and avoids gaps that could facilitate the undesirable proliferation of bacteria and germs. The material of the outer surface of the modules is preferably selected to provide low friction for the first part to be inserted, ideally with a rounded shape and preferably a soft material for the part that is outside the pocket.

In the embodiments described above, a clip-on data processing module 103 suitable for removable attachment to a frame of an absorbent article 100 is used for automatic detection of moisture events therein and, more preferably, the risk of water leakage. exudates. The module 103, illustrated in Fig. 14A, may comprise a housing 30, where said housing 30 comprises inside a data processing system, said data processing system comprising a power source, a processor and a transmitter. ; and a motion sensor in electrical communication with at least said processor.

The motion sensor (also referred to herein as a position sensor) comprises an accelerometer or gyroscope. The position data measured by the module 103 may be combined with the resistance, impedance and/or capacitance measurements of said attachable module 103 as described above to allow more accurate detection of the level of moisture and impregnation at specific locations of the absorbent article. . Advantageously, the present invention allows an efficient electrical determination of humidity and detection zones, so that the use of the motion sensor, which involves acquiring more measurements and that also requires the interpretation of the measured results, is not necessary.

The transmitter may be arranged to transmit/send the measured data to a server or end user, more preferably, said data is transmitted to a server (for example, a cloud-based server) where further processing of the data (although the processing can also be carried out at least in part also within the processing unit of the data processing module attachable in the disclosure of the present document) by, for example, a mathematical model to determine the information related to the patient, including the risk of leakage within the absorbent article, and the further processed information is then loaded into a graphical user interface to simply communicate the patient's status to the caregiver, including providing a warning when the absorbent article is close to a vanishing point (e.g., above a predefined probability threshold, such as above 80%), preferably above 85%, more preferably 88% to 99%).

The power source comprised in the housing comprises a battery. The battery and housing 30 can be disconnected from each other and from the module 103. Whenever the battery needs to be replaced, for example, because it only has a charge capacity of approximately 10% or less remaining, a warning is usually provided on an interface of user to allow a caregiver to intervene and replace the battery by simply removing it from the housing 30 and replacing it with another (e.g., fully charged), while the measurement electronics (e.g., processor, motion sensor, sensor tracks , and the like) can continue to operate with power through a microcharger that is provided and connected to it during battery replacement. Time and money are saved, considering that it is not necessary to remove/replace the entire module 103 when only the low or discharged battery needs to be replaced. Preferably, the battery may be an integral (non-detachable) part of the unit within the housing.

The flexible connection member comprises an elastomer, and wherein one or more electrically conductive connection ports are exposed of said elastomer when the attachable data processing module 103 is not connected to the absorbent article 100. Preferably, the elastomer comprises one or more polymers having a monomer selected from the group consisting of carbon, silicon and mixtures thereof, preferably wherein the elastomer is selected to slide when contacted with PE. The advantages of this arrangement include greater comfort achieved after connection, as well as ease of cleaning after use.

The housing 30 and the free end of the flexible connection member comprise a locking member 34 for securing the data processing module 103 attachable to the absorbent article 100, preferably said locking member 34 consists of a locking member based on the shape or a force-based locking member and typically arranged to clamp the free end in a position proximal to a portion of the housing 30. Preferably, the locking member comprises a magnet arranged to provide a clamping force between the free end and the housing 30 so that said free end adheres directly or indirectly, preferably indirectly through the bottom sheet of the absorbent article 100, to said housing.

Preferably, the flexible connection member has a width that is less than the width w of the at least one insulating layer 200 so that, when connected to the frame of the absorbent article 100, said connection member slides between the at least one insulating layer 200 and the lower sheet normally forming a pocket for its reception. An advantage of this arrangement is that a safe and secure connection can be achieved in a simple and cost-effective manner, the result being an optimal design that can be easily implemented in rapid in-line manufacturing procedures.

As shown in Figs. 14A to 14C, the attachable data processing module 103 may further comprise an electronic ink-based display 400 for displaying textual and/or graphical signals 41 generally related to the status of said module (such as battery level, wireless connection with the server and/or cloud and the like), patient information and/or detection status (such as impregnation level of the absorbent article, % risk of leak at any point and the like), including said display: an electronic ink layer 42 that includes a bistable non-volatile imaging material disposed between an activation layer (or activation grid) 44 and a transparent electrode layer located above the electronic ink layer 42, to activate the electronic ink layer 42 in particular locations to display textual and/or graphic signals 41 on the screen surface, wherein the electronic ink layer 42 does not require electrical power to keep the signals 41 visible. Optionally, the display 400 a electronic ink base further comprises a protective layer 40 positioned such that the electronic ink layer 42 is between said protective layer 40 and said activation layer 44.

In one embodiment, the display may comprise a rigid (e.g., glass-based thin film transistor (TFT)) or flexible (e.g., plastic-based TFT) back panel. Examples of commercially available displays that have a rigid back panel for use herein are, for example, ED013TC1, ED027TC2, ED029TC1 and/or ED035OC1 manufactured and sold by E Ink Corporation, a subsidiary of YFY Group. Examples of commercially available displays that have a flexible back panel for use herein are, for example, ET011TT2, ET013TT1, ET014TT1, ET029TC1 and/or ET014TT6 manufactured and sold by E Ink Corporation, a subsidiary of YFY Group.

THE ABSORBENT ARTICLE

In one embodiment, exemplified in Fig. 15, an absorbent article 100 is preferably a disposable diaper, pad or panty diaper, suitable for monitoring and detecting the presence of moisture therein and/or the risk of leakage of exudates from the same, said absorbent article comprising: a bottom sheet 202 impermeable to liquids; a liquid-permeable topsheet 206; an absorbent core 204 interposed between said bottom sheet 202 and top sheet 206, wherein said bottom sheet 202 comprises a substrate 10 described herein, typically the bottom sheet 202, the absorbent core 204 and the top sheet 206 forming a frame of the absorbent article.

Preferably, the absorbent article further comprises a removable attachable data processing module 103, as depicted in Figs. 14A to 14C, having a plurality of exposed electrically conductive terminals 33 capable of selectively addressing a plurality of connection tracks. of a conductive pattern 101, preferably where the number of said terminals 33 is at least identical to the number of said connection tracks. As an example, the terminals can be sized with a sufficient length to ensure a proper connection with the connecting paths.

Preferably, the absorbent article further comprises one or more slots 15 and/or pocket 16 in the bottom sheet 202 that allows an electrically conductive portion of said engageable data processing module 103 to enter directly into electrical communication with said connection tracks.

In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the attachable data processing module 103 is retained within a pocket 16, said pocket positioned over at least a portion of the absorbent core with the core being interposed between said pocket 16 and the skin of a subject when wearing the absorbent article such that when the clip-on data processing module 103 is inserted into the pocket 16, the absorbent core provides a cushioning layer between said clip-on data processing module 103 and said skin of the subject.

Preferably, the substrate 10 is positioned so that the first surface 20 is oriented towards the absorbent core 204, and preferably where the at least one insulating layer 200 is attached to said substrate 10 so that a liquid impermeable joint is formed. which provides a barrier to prevent liquids and/or exudates expelled by a subject, when using the absorbent article, from coming into direct contact with at least a part of the conductive pattern 101. It is highly preferred that at least a substantial part of the detection tracks 9 remain exposed to said liquids and/or exudates and not covered by said at least one insulating layer 200.

The absorbent core 204 may preferably comprise a nonwoven core wrapper typically arranged so that there is no fold (i.e., no overlap of nonwoven material) in said core wrapper that comes into direct contact with the bottom sheet 202 comprising the conductive pattern 101. The nonwoven core wrapper has typically hydrophilic properties, so that it allows liquid to contact the detection tracks 9. Preferably, the bottom sheet 202 may comprise a polymeric film and/or a film polymer laminated to a nonwoven (usually called a textile bottom sheet). The top sheet 206 preferably comprises a nonwoven material.

The absorbent article may further comprise additional components that are common in the art and selected from the group consisting of: a liquid distribution layer (ADL) positioned between the top sheet 206 and the absorbent core 202; elastic or non-elastic rear ears attached to the frame in a position proximal to the second end 60 of the substrate 10 forming the bottom sheet 202; superabsorbent polymer particles and/or fibers normally comprised within the absorbent core; cellulose fibers typically comprised within absorbent core 204; fastening straps attached to the rear ears for adhesive and/or mechanical engagement with a garment-facing surface of the bottom sheet 202 in a position proximal to the first end 50; elastic waistband located proximal to the first and/or second ends 50, 60; and combinations of these.

When the absorbent article is a diaper panty, the absorbent article may comprise a front strip positioned proximal to the first end 50 and a rear strip positioned proximal to the second end 60, said strips being separated from each other by the frame of the absorbent article and being directly joined. to each other through two opposite side seams, said stripes being normally elastic. When the absorbent article is a pad, it can be designed as a two-piece system, where the second piece is an elastic diaper panty (reusable or disposable) to firmly hold the first piece of said absorbent article.

In a preferred embodiment, the first end 50 of the substrate (and/or bottom sheet 202) corresponds to the front part (or belly part) of the absorbent article and the second end 60 corresponds to the back part of the absorbent article.

In a preferred embodiment, selectively addressing multiple combinations of the plurality of said connection tracks to the corresponding terminals of the attachable data processing module 103 results in multiple electrical circuit configurations for measuring resistance, impedance and/or capacitance. through them, as explained above for the embodiments of substrate 10.

Furthermore, measuring the resistance, impedance and/or capacitance of multiple circuit configurations defined by the conductor pattern 101 and selectively addressed by the corresponding terminals of the clip-on data processing module 103, allows monitoring of humidity. in different areas of the core of the absorbent article 100; Additionally or alternatively, it allows monitoring a moisture distribution based on the actual and/or previous body position of a user of said absorbent article 100.

On the other hand, the identifiers of the absorbent article 100 can be detected when connected to the attachable data processing module 103, based on a thickness and/or a length and/or a width and/or a specific conductivity of at least a part of at least one of the connection tracks and/or of the conductive pattern detection tracks. Such identifiers may comprise, for example, an absorbency level and/or size and/or an inventory number of the absorbent article 100, or the like.

In addition to the above explanations, the preferred embodiments can be better understood with respect to the exemplary cases shown in Figs. 16A to 16D and Fig. 17A to 17D, in which the conductive pattern 101 of the substrate 10 (or bottom sheet 202) comprises five connection tracks, illustrative tracks 1', 2', 3', 4', 5', and the clip-on module 103 comprises five corresponding terminals, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Said conductive pattern 101 has For example, a configuration comprising a combination of open circuit configurations and closed circuit configurations, as can be seen in Figs. 16A to 16D and 17A to 17D.

By selectively addressing the connection tracks 2', 4' with the terminals 2, 4, two open circuits located in the central part of the conductive pattern and, therefore, of the absorbent article 100, are enabled, while when addressing By selectively connecting the connection tracks 1' and 5' with the terminals 2 and 5, two open circuits are enabled located towards the edges 12, 13 of said substrate 10, see FIG. 16A. In this way, the corresponding detection zones are defined, which, in turn, are located between the first end 50 and the second end 60 of the substrate 10, proximal to said first end, and between the edges 12 and 13 of the absorbent article. 100 when worn by a subject, as depicted in the inset of Fig. 16A. The subsequent selective addressing of the connection tracks 2', 4' with the corresponding terminals 2, 4, and of the connection tracks 1', 5' with the corresponding terminals 1, 5, enables additional circuits and corresponding detection zones such as is depicted in Figs. 16B to 16C. Especially, it can be observed that with the configuration of the conductive pattern 101 used in this example, the detection zones generated by selectively activating the circuits shown in Fig. 16D, extend over an area perpendicular to the length L of the conductive pattern and, therefore, therefore, of the absorbent article 100, so that the detection zones adapt as closely as possible to the shape of the body when worn by a subject.

On the other hand, the terminals 2, 3 also selectively address the connection tracks 2', 3' in order to activate the circuit shown in Fig. 17A, which, in turn, defines a detection zone that is extends in a direction along the length L of the substrate and perpendicular to it in a position proximal to the second end 60. Therefore, said detection zone makes it possible to detect the accumulation of moisture that occurs towards the rear right end of the absorbent article when worn by a subject. Accordingly, the selective addressing connection tracks 3', 4' with terminals 3, 4 enable the activation of a circuit that defines a detection zone located along an axis longitudinal to the (y-y) axis and at the rear end left of the absorbent article as shown in Fig. 17B. On the other hand, the selective activation of circuits that enable detection zones in the front left and in the front right of the absorbent article are shown respectively in Figs. 17C and 17D. It should be noted that the circuit exemplified in Fig. 17C is a closed loop configuration that can also be used for the identification of products based on a thickness and/or a length and/or a width and/or a specific conductivity of at least one of the tracks that define a closed circuit of this type, as explained in previous embodiments.

In this way, by selectively activating combinations of multiple circuits of the conductive pattern 101, it is possible to generate moisture mapping along the absorbent article 100, as shown by way of example in Fig. 18.

As an example, the clip-on data processing module 103 is configured to process measured resistance, impedance, and/or capacitance through multiple combinations of terminals in order to generate said humidity mapping. Additionally, the attachable data processing module may also be adapted to generate and provide a warning to the caregiver when the electrical properties measured in at least one of the sensing zones reach a specific value, indicating that the absorbent article should be replaced. Such a value may be preset and stored in a memory within the latchable data processing module 103.

In contrast, the example explained above in the context of Figs. 16A-16D and Figs. 17A-17D, also allows detecting and monitoring humidity as it occurs in the absorbent article 100: if the humidity (due to liquids and/or or exudates) is in contact with the conductive pattern 101 in the detection zone shown in Fig. 16A, causes a change in the electrical properties of a circuit that defines that zone, which is detected by terminals 2 and 4 of the module 103 data processing device when attached to it. The subsequent moisture areas activate specific circuits defined by the conductive pattern 101, for example, the circuits and corresponding zones represented in Figs. 16B to 16D and Fig. 17A to 17D, which, in turn, can be detected by dedicated pairs of terminals 33.

Advantageously, the resistance, impedance and/or capacitance measured through the multiple circuits defined by the conductive pattern 101, and the humidity detected through the corresponding detection zones can also be directly related to the position of the user's body. , such as, for example, a detection zone that detects moisture at a location positioned in the central portion of the absorbent article 100 and near its right edge, can be directly interpreted as moisture because the user is lying on his or her right side. Advantageously, the efficiency and precision of the present invention is improved, since it is not necessary to combine the measured electrical data (resistance, impedance and/or conductivity) with measurements made by the motion sensor of the attachable module 103, which results in a smaller amount of data to interpret. On the other hand, these latter measurements can also be taken into consideration in order to provide a more precise mapping of the humidity or its distribution inside the absorbent core.

In an alternative embodiment, a glue pattern adapted to laminate the body-facing side of the bottom sheet 202 can be applied to the constituent layers. Said tail pattern comprises separate longitudinal lines 208 that leave parts of the conductive pattern 101 exposed, exemplified in Fig. 19. An advantage of this arrangement is that it allows the conductive pattern 101 to be used as disclosed herein without damaging the configuration of the circuits defined therein.

Another embodiment of the inventive substrate is shown in Fig. 20. Herein, a plurality of detection tracks 520-527 form the conductive pattern 530. These detection tracks 520-527 are connected to an equal number of connection tracks 531, which are not individually labeled or shown here. .

The large number of detection tracks 520-527 in this embodiment allows the detection of exudates in a large number of individually distinguishable zones 500-519. By using detection tracks 520 and 521, zone 500 can be detected. By using detection tracks 521 and 526, zone 501 can be detected. By using detection tracks 521 and 523, zone 502 can be detected By using detection tracks 521 and 522, zone 503 can be detected. By using detection tracks 522 and 527, zone 504 can be detected. By using detection tracks 522 and 526, zone can be detected. 505. By using detection tracks 522 and 523, zone 506 can be detected. By using detection tracks 523 and 525, zone 507 can be detected. By using detection tracks 523 and 526, the zone 508. By using detection tracks 523 and 524, zone 509 can be detected. By using detection tracks 520 and 527, zone 510 can be detected. By using detection tracks 521 and 527, zone 511. By using detection tracks 523 and 527, zone 512 can be detected. By using detection tracks 527 and 525, zone 513 can be detected. By using detection tracks 523 and 527, detect zone 514. By using detection tracks 521 and 525, zone 515 can be detected. By using detection tracks 522 and 525, zone 516 can be detected. By using detection tracks 525 and 526, can detect zone 517. By using detection tracks 521 and 526, zone 518 can be detected. By using detection tracks 524 and 526, zone 519 can be detected. Therefore, detection of various zones arranged side by side along the substrate, as well as side by side across the width of the substrate.

In the simplest possible embodiment, at least three different zones are differentiated in the longitudinal direction.

In particular, the different zones are arranged in a longitudinal direction so that it is possible to achieve a differentiation between at least three different zones, preferably between at least four different zones, most preferably between at least five different zones in the longitudinal direction.

Additionally or alternatively, the zones may be arranged so that it is possible to differentiate between at least two, preferably at least three, most preferably at least four different zones arranged next to each other in a direction along width with respect to the core. This allows a very precise determination of the position of the exudates in the core.

Another embodiment of the inventive substrate is shown in Fig. 21. Herein, a conductive pattern very similar to the pattern shown in Fig. 20 is used. In this case, however, the individual detection tracks and connection tracks are not individually labeled, but the function is described.

It is especially critical to determine when the exudate impregnation reaches the danger zones 600, 601,602 towards the ends of the substrate in the longitudinal direction. When worn by a user, these danger zones correspond to the areas closest to the user's fringe zone and therefore, in an upright position, the upper areas covered by the substrate. It is especially useful to know when exudate levels reach these areas, thereafter a spill will hopefully soon occur. In Fig. 21, in addition to the danger zones 600, 601 and 602, different zones 603, 604 and 605 are shown, which are expected to be impregnated one after another.

In a first liquid inlet, it is expected that only zone 603 will be impregnated. Zone 604 could become impregnated after one or two additional liquid inlets. Zone 605 could be soaked in one or two more liquid inlets thereafter.

By detecting impregnation within these different zones separately, it is possible to determine the total capacity for further liquid entry.

Another embodiment of the inventive substrate is shown in Fig. 22. Herein, only four connection tracks 700-703 connected to four detection tracks 710-713 are shown. An area 704 of the top of the detection track 710 is covered by an insulating material. An area 705 above the detection tracks 711, 712 is covered by an insulating material. An area 706 of the top of the detection track 713 is covered by an insulating material.

The substrate comprises, in this case, three different areas 707, 708 and 709, which can be differentiated. Zone 707 can be measured using detection tracks 711, 712. Zone 708 can be measured using detection tracks 710 and 711 or 712 and 713. Zone 709 can be measured using detection tracks 710 and 713.

In Fig. 23, the conductivity levels for different impregnated zones are shown. Reference number 800 shows the conductivity when connection tracks 701 and 702 are used for a measurement. It can be easily observed that, as soon as zone A1, which corresponds to zone 707, is impregnated, or as soon as zones A1 and A2, which correspond to zones 707, 708, as well as when zones A1, A2 and a 3, which correspond to zones 707, 708 and 709, are impregnated, a high level of conductivity is achieved.

Reference number 801 shows the conductivity levels when using the connection tracks 700 and 703. It can be easily seen that an impregnation of zone A1, which corresponds to zone 707, does not change the conductivity, in this case. An impregnation of the zones A1 and A2, which correspond to the zones 707 and 708 of Fig. 22 results in an increased conductivity. Finally, an impregnation of zones A1, A2 and A3, which correspond to zones 707, 708 and 709, produces a significant increase in conductivity.

On the other hand, in Fig. 24, the conductivity levels are shown when the connection tracks 700 and 701 or the connection tracks 702 and 703 are used. Since the conductive pattern of Fig. 22 is symmetrical, the curves Conductivity ratings 802 and 803 for these two options are identical. It can be easily seen that an impregnation of zone A1, which corresponds to zone 707 in Fig. 22, does not affect the conductivity, in this case. An impregnation of zones A1 and A2, which correspond to zones 707, 708 of Fig. 22, produces a significant increase in conductivity. Finally, an impregnation of zones A1, A2 and A3, which correspond to zones 707, 708 and 709 of Fig. 22, does not produce any significant additional increase in conductivity. This means that the conductivity level does not change significantly when adding moisture in zone A3.

From this example, it can be easily seen that by measuring the conductivity between different connection tracks, it is possible to determine which of the areas are actually impregnated and, from there, determine the level of impregnation of the entire product.

THE PROCEDURE

The disclosure herein further contemplates a method of manufacturing an absorbent article comprising the steps of: providing a liquid impermeable bottom sheet 202 and applying a conductive pattern 101 as described herein to a first surface thereof. ; providing and adhering at least one insulating layer 200 to said bottom sheet 202, said insulating layer being sized and positioned to cover at least a portion of the connecting tracks of the conductive pattern 101, providing a laminated substrate; providing an absorbent core 202 comprising absorbent material; providing a liquid-permeable topsheet 206; and sandwiching the absorbent core 204 between said laminated substrate and said top sheet 206.

The method further comprises the step of providing a slot 15, additionally or alternatively a pocket 16, in the bottom sheet 202 that allows an electrically conductive portion of a latchable data processing module 103 to selectively enter into electrical communication with the tracks. connection of the conductive pattern 101.

Preferably, the conductive pattern 101 is in the form of an electrically conductive ink and the application step comprises printing it on the bottom sheet. On the other hand, the method generally comprises the step of detecting trademarks 300 to activate precise cutting of the substrate 10 (or the assembled/laminated continuous absorbent article 100) into a plurality of discrete absorbent articles.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one insulating layer 200 is formed to have a width w, taken along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal (y-y) axis, which is less than a width W of the bottom sheet 202 or substrate 10. Preferably, the width w is less than 0.5 W, more preferably 0.05 W to 0.35 W, even more preferably 0.08 W to 0.30 W, most preferably 0.1 W to 0.30 W. 0.2W

In one embodiment, the layers referred to herein above (i.e., at least the bottom sheet 202 and the at least one insulating layer 200) are in the form of continuous fabrics and/or films that are first printed with conductive ink in the conductive pattern 101 described above before being laminated together and subsequently cut into individual absorbent articles.

In one embodiment, the at least one insulating layer 200 is adhered to the bottom sheet 202 by means of an adhesive and/or mechanical bonding, wherein the mechanical bonding is preferably selected from ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive and/or mechanical bond is applied throughout the length and width of the at least one insulating layer 200 in an effective amount such that bonding with the bottom sheet 202 is achieved and a waterproof gasket is formed. the liquids that provide a barrier to prevent exudates expelled by a subject (when the absorbent article 100 is used) from coming into direct contact with at least a part of the conductive pattern 101, preferably where at a location proximal to the first end 50 of the lower sheet 202, where the hookable module 103 is to be connected to the adhesive and is present only outside the connection tracks and not between them, so that it forms a pocket 16 to receive an electrically conductive part of said module 103.

In a preferred embodiment, monitoring and detecting the presence of moisture in different areas of the core of the absorbent article 100 is performed by measuring the resistance, impedance and/or capacitance of multiple circuit configurations defined by the conductive pattern. 101 and selectively addressed by the corresponding terminals 33 of the attachable module 103.

It is assumed that the present invention is not restricted to any embodiment described above and that some modifications can be added to the presented manufacturing example without re-evaluation of the appended claims.

Claims (19)

1. A substrate (10) suitable for incorporation into an absorbent article (100) to monitor and detect the presence of moisture therein and/or the risk of leakage of exudates therefrom, said substrate (10) comprising a conductive pattern (101) arranged on a first surface (20) that may be disposed proximally to one side of the absorbent article (100) facing the body, wherein said conductive pattern (101) may be placed in electrical communication with a module (103). ) engageable data processing, said conductive pattern (101) comprising a plurality of connection tracks (1', 2', 3', 4', 5'); and a plurality of detection tracks (9) connected to said connection tracks (1', 2', 3', 4', 5'), characterized in that The conductive pattern (101) is configured in a way that an addressing of multiple combinations of said plurality of connection tracks (1', 2', 3', 4', 5') with terminals (1, 2, 3, 4 , 5) corresponding to the attachable data processing module (103) results in multiple electrical circuit configurations to measure resistance, impedance and/or capacitance therethrough, and wherein the conductive pattern (101) comprises the least four connection tracks (1', 2', 3', 4', 5', 531, 700, 701, 702, 703) and/or detection tracks (9, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 710, 711, 712, 713) and wherein the detection tracks are arranged so that distinct monitoring of at least three different zones along a longitudinal length direction of the core of the absorbent article is possible. . 2. The substrate (10) according to claim 1, wherein the substrate (10) comprises a second surface (30) opposite said first surface (20) and which may be arranged proximally to one side of said absorbent article (100) facing the garment; I wherein the attachable data processing module (103) is in electrical communication with the conductive pattern (101) when connected in a proximal position to a first end (50) of the substrate (10) so that it forms at least one circuit closed electric. 3. The substrate (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the conductive pattern (101) comprises an electrically conductive material, and wherein the printed conductive pattern (101) comprises a carbon-based ink and/or a conductive polymer-based ink. 4. The substrate (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said connection tracks (1', 2', 3', 4', 5') are configured to allow an electric current to flow from the corresponding terminals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) of the module (103). ) hookable data processing when connected to it and/or wherein said connection tracks (1', 2', 3', 4', 5') extend substantially parallel to a length L of the substrate and substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (y-y) that crosses a first end (50) and a second end (60) of the substrate (10); and wherein said detection tracks (9) are configured to undergo changes in the presence of certain substances. 5. The substrate (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one insulating layer (200) that is impermeable to liquids, adhered thereto and sized to cover at least a part of the conductive pattern (101), said at least one insulating layer (200) adapted to provide a seal and/or barrier to prevent liquid and/or exudates from coming into contact with said part of the conductive pattern (101), preferably where the detection tracks (9) remain exposed to the liquids and/or exudates and are not covered by said at least one insulating layer (200). 6. The substrate (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein said substrate (10) comprises one or more slots (15), and wherein a pocket (16) is formed between the first surface (20) and the at least one insulating layer (200) proximal to the first end (50), said pocket (16) being in fluid communication only with said slot(s). (s) (15) and arranged to retain at least a part of the data processing module (103) engageable therein. 7. The substrate (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conductive pattern (101) extends symmetrically in a direction substantially parallel to the length (L) of the substrate (10) and in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, defining a plurality of independent electrical circuits, and where the combinations of said electrical circuits are in electrical communication by selective addressing of at least two of the connection tracks (1', 2', 3', 4', 5') with at least two terminals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) corresponding to the attachable data processing module (103). 8. The substrate (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of circuits defined by the conductive pattern (101) are circuits with a closed configuration and/or with an open configuration, and/or wherein at least one of the plurality of circuits defined by the conductive pattern (101) is a circuit with a closed configuration, and/or wherein the plurality of circuits defined by the conductive pattern (101) have a configuration that allows glue lines to be applied when incorporated into an absorbent article (100). 9. The substrate (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a thickness and/or a length and/or a width and/or a specific conductivity of at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of circuits defined by the conductive pattern (101) comprises identifiers of the absorbent article (100) which are detected when connected to the attachable data processing module (103). 10. The substrate (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conductive pattern (101) comprises at least 5, preferably between 7 and 15 connection tracks (1', 2', 3', 4', 5', 531, 700, 701, 702, 703) and/or detection tracks (9, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 710, 711, 712, 713). 11. An absorbent article (100), preferably a disposable diaper, pad or panty diaper, suitable for monitoring and detecting the presence of moisture therein and/or the risk of leakage of exudates therefrom, said absorbent article comprising: a liquid impermeable bottom sheet (202); a liquid-permeable top sheet (206); an absorbent core (204) interposed between said lower sheet (202) and upper sheet (206), wherein said lower sheet (201) comprises a substrate (10) according to any of the preceding claims. 12. The absorbent article (100) according to claim 11, wherein said absorbent article further comprises a removable attachable data processing module (103) having a plurality of exposed electrically conductive terminals (33) capable of selectively addressing a plurality of connection tracks (1', 2', 3 ', 4', 5') of a conductive pattern (101), preferably where the number of said terminals (33) is at least identical to the number of said connection tracks (1', 2', 3', 4' , 5'). 13. The absorbent article (100) according to claim 12, wherein selectively addressing multiple combinations of the plurality of connection tracks (1', 2', 3', 4', 5') with the corresponding terminals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) of the module (103 ) hookable data processing results in multiple electrical circuit configurations to measure resistance, impedance and/or capacitance across them; I wherein at least a portion of the attachable data processing module (103) is retained within a pocket (16), said pocket positioned over at least a portion of the absorbent core with the core being interposed between said pocket (16) and the skin of a subject when wearing the absorbent article such that when the clipable data processing module (103) is inserted into the pocket (16), the absorbent core provides a cushioning layer between said processing module (103). of attachable data and said skin of the subject. 14. The absorbent article (100) according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein measuring the resistance, impedance and/or capacitance of multiple circuit configurations defined by the conductive pattern (101) selectively addressed to the corresponding terminals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) of the module (103) The attachable data processing device allows monitoring humidity in different areas (500-519) of the core of the absorbent article (100) and/or monitoring a moisture distribution as a result of the current and/or previous body position of a user of said article. absorbent (100). 15. The absorbent article (100) according to claim 14, wherein the detection tracks (520-527) are arranged so that distinct monitoring of at least three, preferably at least four, most preferably at at least five different zones (500-519) along a longitudinal direction of the core of the absorbent article (100). 16. The absorbent article (100) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the detection tracks (520-527) are arranged so that distinct monitoring of at least two, preferably at least three, most preferably at least four different zones (500-519) along a direction is possible. transversal of the core of the absorbent article (100). 17. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to any of claims 11 to 16, comprising the steps of: providing a liquid impermeable bottom sheet and applying a conductive pattern (101), according to any of claims 1 to 9, to a first surface thereof; providing and adhering at least one insulating layer (200) to said bottom sheet, said insulating layer being sized and positioned to cover at least a portion of the connection tracks (1', 2', 3', 4', 5') of the conductive pattern (101), to provide a laminated substrate; providing an absorbent core comprising absorbent material; providing a liquid permeable topsheet; and sandwiching the absorbent core between said laminated substrate and said top sheet. 18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of providing a slot (15) and/or a pocket (16) in the bottom sheet that allows an electrically conductive portion of an engageable data processing module (103) to selectively enter into electrical communication with the connection tracks (1', 2', 3', 4', 5') of the conductive pattern (101). 19. The method according to claims 17 or 18, wherein the conductive pattern (101) has the form of an electrically conductive ink and the application step comprises printing it on the lower sheet; I wherein the at least one insulating layer (200) is formed to have a width (w), taken along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (y-y), being less than a width (W) of the bottom sheet; and/or wherein the monitoring and detection of the presence of moisture in different areas of the core of the absorbent article (100) is allowed by measuring the resistance, impedance and/or capacitance of multiple circuit configurations defined by the conductive pattern (101) and selectively addressed by the corresponding terminals (33) of the attachable data processing module (103).